Pumpkin Ice Bites for Dogs

Want your dog to have a delicious and safe holiday treat? Here's a simple recipe you can make at home:

Blend 1 cup of canned pumpkin with 1 cup of plain non-fat yogurt and freeze in an ice tray. Dogs can be given these one cube at a time (outside, because they can be a little messy for carpet!). 

This mixture can also be stuffed into a Kong or rubber stuffable toy and frozen. That will allow hours of dog entertainment!

ASK THE VET: Can Pets Have Seasonal Allergies?

Q. This time of year, my dog starts itching like crazy until she scratches bare spots in her coat. Could she have seasonal allergies? What can I do to give her some relief?



A. The sudden onset of seasonal itchiness in dogs may indicate a sensitivity to airborne allergens, known as atopy. Just as airborne allergies are common in people, they also are common in dogs and cats, but instead of exhibiting abnormal respiratory signs, dogs and cats more commonly manifest these allergies as itchy skin.

Atopy is an intensely itchy skin condition caused primarily by inhaled allergens such as pollens, molds and dander, but any airborne particle can potentially become an allergen. Dogs with atopy are genetically predisposed to the condition, and certain breeds are more commonly represented. Female dogs are more likely to be affected than males, and animals usually do not start to show symptoms of atopy until 1-3 years of age.

Classic clinical signs of atopy in dogs include, but are not limited to, itchiness of or around the feet, armpits, inner thighs, abdomen, around the eyes, mouth or anus, and also ear infections.

In addition to airborne allergies (atopy), some allergens can be absorbed through the skin or eaten (food sensitivity/allergy). Many people assume itching due to food allergies is the result of a recent diet change. In fact, the opposite is true: Food allergies often require time to develop, and many animals have been eating the offending food ingredient for years without any problems.

Another common cause of itchiness in dogs and cats is a sensitivity to flea bites. Flea bite allergies can appear to be seasonal allergies because in regions that experience cool-off after summer, fleas reach their greatest numbers in the environment in the fall before they are killed off by freezing temperatures. However, they will persist on animals and indoors indefinitely without safe and effective flea products. Some dogs and cats are so sensitive to flea bites that they can continue to itch for up to two weeks following a single flea bite.

If you suspect that your animal has seasonal allergies, it’s best to have him examined by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Intense itchiness can result in severe self-trauma in very little time. Some treatments that may help:

• Using veterinarian-prescribed flea products on a monthly preventative schedule can eliminate fleas as a source of your pet’s discomfort. Some of these products will kill a flea before it can bite your pet, preventing the allergic response. Over-the-counter flea products are generally ineffective and potentially unsafe, and will not prevent flea bites.
• Bathing your pet with a hypoallergenic, soap-free shampoo once or twice a week can decrease the allergic exposure to your pet as well as help control itchiness.
• Dietary supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to interrupt the body’s allergic response to allergens.
• Antihistamines can help to inhibit or suppress the body’s allergic response to allergens. Often, over-the-counter products can be recommended by your veterinarian, but at doses considerably different than a human dose.
• Prescription antibiotics and prescription antibacterial and antiyeast shampoos often are necessary to treat infections that might develop due to the pet’s licking, chewing and scratching.
• In some cases, oral or injectable corticosteroids can be used to control intense, unresponsive itchiness. Steroids generally are used as a last resort and for short-term use due to adverse side effects.

Remember, dogs and cats itch for hundreds of reasons. Routine examination by your veterinarian can help to diagnose, prevent and treat these itchy skin conditions. Education plus appropriate preventative measures can help to minimize apparent seasonal skin conditions.


Article originally published by the Michigan Humane Society. 

Hurricane Preparedness

As hurricane season approaches, it’s important to think about your pet’s evacuation plan as well as your own. We recommend setting aside the food and medication that your pet could need for several weeks, as well as a first aid kit for your pet, just in case. This is also a good time to make sure that your microchip is registered to the proper contact information, including a cell phone in case your family is forced to evacuate your home. We want to help you to all that’s necessary to ensure that you and your pet will be reunited if you’re separated.

Top 10 Things To Do Before Bringing Home Your New Cat

Congratulations, the cat's out of the bag! You've just entered into a wonderful relationship that's bound to be filled with fun and affection. By starting off on the right foot—that is, by being well-prepared for your new arrival—you can move through that rocky adjustment period most new relationships go through and get right down to the lovin'!

1. Make Sure Everyone In The House Is Prepared To Have A Cat

Talk to your family members before bringing a new cat home. Make sure everyone knows that the fun begins only after kitty feels safe and her needs are met. Once you're sure everyone is ready for feeding, litter changing and grooming, you can divvy up chores among family members so everyone is prepared to care for kitty before she arrives.

2. Do You Know What Your Cat Is Trying To Tell You?

The average cat has a vocabulary of more than 16 different sounds, including purring, howling, hissing and meowing—not to mention a wide-range of playful and serious body language. Taking a glance at our Cat Care section will help you understand your cat's behavior before you're faced with her mysterious cat calls, pouncing and nocturnal romps.

3. Stock Up On Supplies Before Kitty Arrives

Have all of your cat's needs ready so she can get right down to the business of making herself at home. Kitty will need:

• A litter box and the brand of litter she's been using
• Food and water bowls and the food she's used to eating
• A sturdy, rough-textured scratching post—at least three feet high—that allows her to stretch completely while scratching
• Safe, stimulating toys. Hint: If you give her toys that make noises, you'll know when she's playing.
• A bed lined with a soft, warm blanket or towel
• Grooming tools: a high-quality brush and nail clipper are a good start

4. Identity Is Key

Proper identification is a necessity. If your kitty is indoors-only, an ID tag or implanted microchip will help ensure she'll be returned to you if she gets out and can't find her way home. A safety collar with an elastic panel will allow your cat to break loose if the collar gets caught on something. We caution against letting cats outdoors, but if you do—or if a window or door is left open—a safety collar and an ID tag may be what bring your missing cat home.

5. A Room Of One's Own

Choose a low-traffic room your kids and other pets don't frequent—this will be your cat's safe space to sniff, eat, scratch and play while she gets her bearings. Arrange her food and water bowls, bed and litter box—and scatter her toys around. You can even clean off a windowsill for her and have soft music playing. She'll appreciate the chance to feel out her new family from inside her haven.

6. Routine Behavior

Give your cat a little structure to lean on. For the first few weeks, provide him with the same kind of food and feeding schedule he had before living with you—and give him the same brand of litter, too, for a familiar scent and feel on his paws. Later on, if you wish to switch to different products, you can make a slow transition.

7. What's New, Pussycat?

With a whole new life in store for her, Kitty will need some time and space to check out her surroundings and all of her new play things. Give her time alone in her room to get comfortable before you come in to play with her. If you have other pets, it's a good idea to leave your new cat in her own room for a few days will allow the other animals in the house to get used to her sounds and scent. (Hint: Watch from the door to see how she leaves her carrier. Whether she pussyfoots into a dark corner or zooms out into the room, you'll know how she feels about her new surroundings.)

8. Introducing Kitty To The Pack

Go slow at first. A cat may need seven to fourteen days to relax into her new environment. If you have kids, let them introduce themselves one at a time. Hold up on the meet-and-greets with friends, neighbors and relatives until your kitty is eating and eliminating on a normal schedule. If you have other pets, don't let your new addition have free run of the house. This is the territory of the animals who have lived with you already. Allow all of your pets to meet in the new cat's territory—and make sure you're there to supervise.

9. Cat-Proof Your Home

When your cat is ready to explore the rest of her new home (for short excursions at first), be sure to get rid of stray items she might chew on or swallow, like toilet paper, tissues and paper towels. Pens and pencils may need to be kept in drawers. You may also have to tape wires to baseboards and put caps on outlets.
Put away harsh cleaning products, human medications and household poisons, and rehome any houseplants that might be toxic to her. Make sure foods that aren't healthy for a cat's tummy are placed securely out of reach.

10. Visit The Vet Within Her First Week

Last but not least, bring your new feline to a caring veterinarian for a wellness exam within one week after adoption. Make this appointment even before you bring your kitty home.

Mobilize the Earth for Earth Day 2012

The first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life to speak out against the deterioration of the environment and demand change. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency was created, the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts were passed,and the modern environmental movement was born.

Today, more than 1 billion people in 192 countries participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. This year, in the face of global inaction on pressing environmental problems, we must harness that power.

Earth Day Network is calling upon individuals, organizations, businesses and governments to Mobilize the Earth™ and demand that environmental issues become a top priority.

Pets & Easter Egg Hunts

Easter egg hunts are so much fun for kids, and sometimes even for adults! Finding that brightly colored egg stuffed with a surprise is exciting! But don't forget the dangers of failing to find an egg that's been stuffed with candy. Your dog... leads with their nose, and if you don't find it, your pet might! Consider stuffing your eggs with something safe for pets this year. If Fido finds them, he'll be less likely to break them open and eat what's inside.

March is Poison Prevention Month! Did you know that some regular household substances can be poisonous to your pet? It’s important to keep an eye on the things that your pet consumes, and that includes things out in the yard! We suggest keeping your poisonous substances, such as fertilizers, pesticides, paints, and cleaning products on high shelves inside the shed or garage. And be sure to thoroughly clean any spills on the driveway or garage floor. You never know what your pet might get into!

 

Cat Steals Dog Bed

National Pet Travel Safety Day

Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day! When traveling with pets it's very important to ensure the safety of all passengers on board...even our furry ones. What is the furthest distance you have traveled with your pet?